Our relationships with the members of our family can be our greatest source of joy and at times, our biggest source of stress. When you are experiencing challenges with communication, ongoing conflict, or major life transitions that are impacting family dynamics, it can be hard to navigate and know where to turn. This is where family therapy can help.
What IS Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on the family unit and provides tools and strategies to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships. As opposed to individual therapy which is focused on individual experience and perspective, family therapy explores patterns, interactions, and dynamics involving all family members participating in the process.
How do I Know if Family Therapy is Right for Me?
Family therapy is not just for families that are in crisis and can benefit anyone looking to enhance their relationships. Some common scenarios where family therapy could be beneficial include:
- frequent arguments or tension that remain unresolved
- family members avoiding difficult conversations
- patterns of blame, criticism, or defensiveness that make effective communication challenging
- parents struggling with discipline, rules, or expectations
- sibling rivalry or competition
- child or teen experiencing behavioral issues and parents unsure how to respond
- life transitions including: divorce, separation, co-parenting, remarriage, relocation, loss, or aging parents
- supporting a loved one through addiction recovery or relapse
- learning how to respond to neurodiversity
Some of the modalities that may be used in the family therapy process include:
How do I Find a Family Therapist?
Finding the right therapist is key to a successful process. Here are some suggestions:
- Ask for recommendations from someone you trust
- Look for a therapist that specializes in family therapy
- Schedule a consultation to see if the therapist is a good fit for the needs of your family
- Consider if you would prefer in person or virtual sessions
- Verify insurance coverage or payment options ahead of time
Taking the First Step
Seeking family therapy is a positive step toward increased understanding, building stronger connections, creating a healthier home environment, and improving your overall well-being. At Compassionate Counseling Company, we have several therapists that provide family therapy including Meghan, Michelle, Heather, Amanda, Lis, Jessica, and Kevin.
